The compelling arguments for the need of medical vascular physicians in Europe

Christian Heiss (Lead / Corresponding author), Juraj Madaric, Jill Belch, Marianne Brodmann, Lucia Mazzolai

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    17 Citations (Scopus)
    128 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Summary. The burden of vascular diseases is growing worldwide, as the population ages, prompting a call to action not only in terms of awareness but also and most urgently in recognizing the need for vascular physicians, also called angiologists. Vascular medicine views the vascular system (arteries, veins, and lymphatics) as a whole, unique, and independent entity requiring specialized competencies. Vascular physicians offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to vascular patients including provision of interventional procedures, management of a heterogeneous group of multi-morbid and frail patients affected by multi-vessel diseases, and connecting different specialists in a multidisciplinary effort. Vascular medicine practise varies across European countries. While it is a firmly accepted medical speciality in many European countries it is not formally recognized by the European Union limiting adoption in the other countries. The lack of vascular physicians likely accounts for inequality of care of vascular patients as compared for example to patients with heart disease and might contribute to adverse outcomes and healthcare costs associated with vascular diseases. To move forward in the struggle to provide efficient care for multimorbid poly-vascular patients, it is essential to establish vascular medicine programs in Europe and worldwide. Important steps to achieve this goal include improving public awareness of vascular diseases, attain formal recognition by the EU of angiology/vascular medicine as a medical specialty, creating specialized treatment guidelines, and to harmonize vascular care in Europe.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)487-491
    Number of pages5
    JournalVASA
    Volume48
    Issue number6
    Early online date4 Jul 2019
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Nov 2019

    Keywords

    • Angiology
    • Medical speciality
    • Vascular medicine
    • Specialization
    • Veins
    • Vascular Diseases
    • Europe
    • Humans

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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